Christmas is now over, and I got a few dollars as a gift. As always, it can go towards something big, but this time I'm thinking I might indulge in some smaller stuff that I've passed over because I've always saved for things like forged pistons, LSD's, cams, etc. After pondering, I thought I might buy a steering wheel. I've had the same one for about 5 years now, and I did purchase it used on ebay when I still lived in the bay area. Its an old Momo that came from the factory on some limited edition SAAB, and I like it because nobody really has it. Although there is that one issue of some import magazine that I found that has some guy in Texas with an AE86 that has one...and it made me feel a bit less special.
Steering wheels are one of those items that are like a signiture at the bottom of a painting. They're like a finishing touch of personalization that indicates your style, taste, and who you are. Some people might not look at it as in depth as I do, but I'm one of those people who thinks you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. A steering wheel is a similar indicator.
The above was actually my first choice, and the steering wheel I WAS going to buy at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It was perhaps the only item I had set out to purchase since I thought we couldn't get them in the USA. A few months after I got back, I found several shops had them. Anyhow its a pretty bad-ass Orido Style steering wheel with the logo embroidered in the wheel. Manabu Orido is one of my favorite drivers of all time (Keiichi fans can suck it) and having his signiture model of steering wheel I thought would be pretty cool. That is until I saw the price tag; 37,000 yen (approx $360). Now while I'm a fan of such novelty items, spending almost $400 on a steering wheel makes me feel...well..puke-ish. Sure its baller, but $400 for a steering wheel? Not that I'm against spending cash on car products, but that much cash could go towards something far more worthwhile on my car. Needless to say, I passed on this model.
The above Momo Prototipo is another one I'm considering. It has such a classic shape and design, and its retro in its style. Its perfect for an older car like mine, and has a European flavor to it. See I'm not that large of a Nardi fan, because you see everybody and their little sister with a Nardi on their cars these days. Steve does not rock that.
There was also a team "Julius" steering wheel at the Auto Salon that I passed on, because it too was insanely expensive. Who knows maybe if I can find one here, I'll jump on it.
Or maybe I'll just take the cash and buy tires again....
No comments:
Post a Comment